Though the wind is cold and though buds have yet to appear on leaves, summer is just around the corner. Now is the time to consider your child's summer camp options. From churches to boarding schools, organizations across the globe offer a wide range of experiences for your student. As the first of two articles, this piece offers tips to help you choose the best summer camp for your child.
BEAT THE RUSH. Most camps have limited enrollment and an application process. More exclusive programs--such as study abroad or highly rated academic camps--will fill early. Start your search in February or earlier. Doing so will afford your child a wider variety of choices.
ASK AROUND. Begin by asking teachers and school counselors for recommendations. Educators receive materials about academic camps, leadership institutes, and other summer programs. Talk to other parents about camps their kids have attended.
CONSIDER THIS. What are your child's interests? Skills? Temperament? In what academic subjects does she need to improve? For the athletic child, consider sports camps (these are usually 1-week affairs). For the child in need of academic support, look to programs at boarding schools.
SCHEDULE. Do you have family excursions, business trips, birthdays, or holidays during the summer? When will school be done for your child? When does the new school year begin? To work around your summer plans, consider a combination of 1-week-long camps. Also, consider day camps to allow your child to participate in family events in the evening.
BUDGET. Are you looking for the most bang for your buck or would you prefer an "all-inclusive" experience for your child? For the former, YMCAs and local churches offer cost-effective programs. For the latter, consider programs such as Experiment International (EI) or the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Many programs offer financial aid.
Though skies are still cold and grey, summertime is approaching. Begin exploring your child's summer camp options now. Use the tips above to help you and your child make the best choice about her summer experience.
BEAT THE RUSH. Most camps have limited enrollment and an application process. More exclusive programs--such as study abroad or highly rated academic camps--will fill early. Start your search in February or earlier. Doing so will afford your child a wider variety of choices.
ASK AROUND. Begin by asking teachers and school counselors for recommendations. Educators receive materials about academic camps, leadership institutes, and other summer programs. Talk to other parents about camps their kids have attended.
CONSIDER THIS. What are your child's interests? Skills? Temperament? In what academic subjects does she need to improve? For the athletic child, consider sports camps (these are usually 1-week affairs). For the child in need of academic support, look to programs at boarding schools.
SCHEDULE. Do you have family excursions, business trips, birthdays, or holidays during the summer? When will school be done for your child? When does the new school year begin? To work around your summer plans, consider a combination of 1-week-long camps. Also, consider day camps to allow your child to participate in family events in the evening.
BUDGET. Are you looking for the most bang for your buck or would you prefer an "all-inclusive" experience for your child? For the former, YMCAs and local churches offer cost-effective programs. For the latter, consider programs such as Experiment International (EI) or the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Many programs offer financial aid.
Though skies are still cold and grey, summertime is approaching. Begin exploring your child's summer camp options now. Use the tips above to help you and your child make the best choice about her summer experience.
Author's Bio
James Guilford has worked as the dean of an academic program for five summers. Download free resources, including chapters from Guilford's young-adult novel, THE PENCIL TEST, at http://www.jamesguilford.com.
